Really? Only one suggestion for shallow hearth-mount stove?!

Check out the Hearthstone Homestead http://www.hearthstonestoves.com/wood-stoves/stove-details?product_id=19

I had a similar situation with removing an insert and installing this VC Vigilant. I recessed the backplate just to the backside of the bricks.

Bone1099 said:

I had a similar situation with removing an insert and installing this VC Vigilant. I recessed the backplate just to the backside of the bricks.

Click to expand...

What did you put down for floor protection in front of it?

Any of those hearth pads. (not sure of the correct name) that are made to put underneath a stove. I hope to put tile there someday.

CTwoodburner said:

Bone1099 said:

I had a similar situation with removing an insert and installing this VC Vigilant. I recessed the backplate just to the backside of the bricks.

Click to expand...

What did you put down for floor protection in front of it?

Click to expand...

My installer built me a tile/durarock hearth extender that matches the stove. I've actually pulled the stove out to where the legs are about 1 1/2 inches from the end of my current tile hearth. The extender rests up against the legs and extends about 18 inches. I'm thinking about adding a layer of 1-inch kaowool to the bottom to protect the floor from scratching any more than the 85-year-old floor already has.

Consult an installer about how to configure the connection from the flue collar to the flue liner. We had to mess around with ours a bit to make it work. Also, a stove with a vertical flue collar setup is going to be tough to work with. You'll need a rear-exit option or a 45-degree like my Phoenix. Finally, watch the height if the depth of the stove forces it under the lentil. You're going to need some space to work and some visibility to the stove pipe or flue liner thermostat. Good luck

My install:

Hearthstone Homestead.

I'd personally reconsider an insert, it's the right tool for the job. If you want a stove, you have to move it outside the fireplace (and I think no matter which you choose will have to deal with clearance in front of the hearth) and close off the opening to your fireplace. A perfect example is
.

Notice how the stove is outside the fireplace in the open. As long as you plan on doing that, no probs. Otherwise putting a stove inside the fireplace causes issues, since only one of the 6 sides will be delivering heat directly into the living space it's not a good idea. In fact inserts are nothing more than yesterdays stoves that were put inside fireplaces and the people got no heat. They tweaked and solved the issues with putting stoves in fireplaces and eventually their stoves mutated and evolved into todays inserts which maximize heat delivered to the living space when putting a stove inside a fireplace.

Anyway, my $0.02. If you're going to do this, get the stove outside the fireplace, or get a stove with side & rear heat shields & blower and you can put it in the fireplace, or get the tool designed for the job an insert. Cheers!

I second Rhonemas.

I considered trying to do what you want to do and ran into too many issues. Hard finding stoves with the rear flue collar exit that would fit - I think only the Phoenix would have fit our space. Ended up realizing that a free standing stove on our hearth would just take up too much room - the room already being on the small side.

Ended up with the flush Jotul 550 insert and haven't looked back since. Throws out ample heat for us and doesn't cut into the room space at all. (1800 sq.ft home with lousy air circulation so it is essentially only heating the front of the house which is where we are 99% of the time so it's no big deal.

Of course I am partial. You will know when you do find the right wood burner for your home. You are lucky you are researching here first. Will save you lots of money. ;-)

If your "living room" actually serves its purpose I recommend you do give serious consideration to a freestanding stove there, and one that will not require a blower for adequate heat - even if you have to rework the hearth. My insert is in my family room and I can't really watch TV or do anything there comfortably when the blower is on high (which is necessary to try to heat me 2,600 sq. ft. in western NY). Stoves with high clearance requirements are those without an outer "jacket," and therefore, better radiators. Soapstone fits this requirement. Bottom line - don't be afraid of reworking your hearth to accomodate a heating appliance you will be happy with for many years.

MarkG